The White Lion pub in the centre of Niton has closed its doors unexpectedly today (Friday).
A notice on the front door tells of the proprietors’ regret at closing the pub, but says new ideas to generate business have failed to have an impact, and the pub has been losing tens of thousands of pounds a year.
The present proprietors say their vision would be for the pub to become community-owned and run.
“Felt used”
Karen and Ian Elliott, who were running the pub said,
“Ian and myself were put in as landlords and told after four months of being at the White Lion that they wanted to sell, and then today came and closed the pub.
“We have four weeks to find a home and jobs. So as you can imagine we are very upset as we felt used.”
The notice says the landlords, Enterprise Inns, are now looking for new tenants.
In the meantime, the Buddle Inn, on Niton Undercliff, will be honouring loyalty cards.
Article edits
16.08: Comment from Karen Elliott added
